On May 6th, 2016, the Oregon State Medical’s Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy of the body of Katherine “Katy” Roe, recovered from the ocean just outside the jaws of the Depoe Bay Harbor on May 5th, 2016. While toxicology results are still pending, it was determined the probable cause of death was drowning as there were no signs of traumatic injury or trauma.

Investigators from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Roe’s cellphone and other personal belongings were not recovered with her body and are presumed lost in the ocean; there are no plans to search for these items. The three week intensive investigation by the Lincoln County Major Crime Team has not resulted in any evidence to indicate Katy’s death to be a result of foul play.

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Katy Roe this Saturday, May 14th, from 1:00-4:00 pm, open to the community. This will be held at Gleneden Beach Community Hall and people are welcome to attend at any point during this time period to give their respects and support the family.

The investigation involved investigators from the law enforcement agencies of Lincoln County (Newport, Toledo, Lincoln City, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office), US Coast Guard, Lincoln County Search and Rescue, Depoe Bay Fire District, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office,Lincoln County Parole and Probation, Oregon State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oregon Department of Justice, and McMinnville Police Department. While the Major Crime Team is no longer assigned to the investigation, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division maintains an open case on Katy Roe’s death.